auburn - As gas prices continue to change unpredictably, the Auburn Enlarged City School District has begun to look into ways to conserve energy.

District officials are concerned that diesel fuel and regular gasoline may increase as much as 35 percent before the year is over. The district uses some 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year, and the current rate is at $2.20 per gallon - 25 cents higher then the district's budgeted rate.

"This increase in gas prices was a surprise; I don't think we were well prepared as a community," said Michael Stearns, Auburn school board president. "But I think now we will be better prepared in the future."

At Tuesday night's board meeting, Superintendent John Plume outlined 30 conservation measures he hopes the district will begin to follow. His list included four mentions of dressing warmly.

"We may have a colder than average winter," Plume said. "We are faced with a challenge here and need to raise awareness."

The school board plans to advocate for changes in New York state gas legislation, and may request that the city of Auburn reduce the district's charges from a percentage of cost to a rate of actual use.

Plume's plan also suggests setting temperatures at 68 degrees during the day and then lowering them to 60 degrees once students have left for the day.

Other options include reducing bus routes, field trips and conferences paid for by the district.

For conferences that are scheduled, for which the district reimburses drivers 48.5 cents per mile, Plume is asking that participants begin carpooling.

Some measures have already been taken to help save energy. The district's air-conditioning has been turned off and energy-efficient windows were installed during the district's capital project.

It has also entered into an energy performance contract with Atlantic Energy Services Inc.

The project will focus on the gas well at East Middle School as an alternate source of energy.

The district began looking into utilizing the well as an alternate source three years ago.

Board member Kent Brandstetter suggested that the district look into wind energy, a method other districts in the area have already begun to consider.

"It seems like the state is hot on giving money for these conservation measures," Brandstetter said. "It might be worth looking into."

Auburn superintendent of buildings and grounds Larry Garrussic encouraged district officials to lead by example, limiting the use of appliances and controlling exits and entrances.

Plume said there may be multiple classrooms in the same corridor that use coffee pots, refrigerators and toasters.

"People need to get in the habit of walking out of a room and turning off the lights," Garrussic said. "People don't realize it, but it really makes a difference."